Business pitch competition open to WMU student entrepreneurs

KALAMAZOO—Students from across campus are invited to share their business pitches for cash prizes totaling $2,500 at the second annual Pitch Competition at Western Michigan University.

Motivated participants will be asked to develop a brief three-minute pitch about an innovative business idea for an audience of potential investors. Students will be evaluated in progressive rounds by panels of judges comprised of faculty, entrepreneurs and members of the business community. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top four finishers—$1,200 for first place; $700 for second place; $400 for third place; and $200 for most entertaining.

The competition is open to all WMU students and is sponsored by Educational Community Credit Union, which is committed to supporting entrepreneurial talent in West Michigan.

"I see the pitch competition as the first step towards helping WMU students create the business of their dreams," says Dr. Robert Landeros, chair of the Department of Management. "Students who successfully state a problem in three minutes, how it will be solved and what is needed, will have opportunities to advance their business ideas through the generous support of ECCU."

Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., final round of competition and awards (open to the public), Starting Gate business accelerator located at 161 E. Michigan Ave., Suite 400B, Kalamazoo

The competition is open to individuals or teams. A maximum of 32 teams may compete, with one student from each team delivering the pitch. Students interested in participating are encouraged to come to either the March 19 or March 21 information sessions.